New Mazda6 Makes Used Ones Seem Obsolete

Attention Mazda owners: Drop what you’re doing, grab your checkbook and head back to your dealer. Your car just became obsolete.

It’s not often that I’m so taken by a new car that I suddenly believe all former versions are no longer driveable. The 2014 Mazda6, though, might be the car that redefines Mazda and makes an older Mazda6 just another cheap used midsize sedan.

That’s saying a lot, because I happen to think a used Mazda6 is one of the best buys on the market today.

The new one, though, might change everything.

On looks alone, the 2014 Mazda6 has put every other midsize sedan on notice. Kia, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet… none of them has a vehicle as striking, svelte, poised and rakish. Take the Mazda logo off the grille, and the car might be mistaken for the new Maserati midsize sedan. It looks exotic, but still classic enough to not look dated in 5 years.

Thanks to a more fuel-efficient, gasoline four cylinder, the federal government rates the 2014 Mazda6 at 26 miles per gallon in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway, when fitted with a six-speed automatic. This compares with just 21/30 mpg for a similar 2013 Mazda6.

When equipped with Mazda’s energy-reclaiming system, the 2014 Mazda6 is rated by the federal government at 28/40 mpg. Essentially, energy captured during braking is stored and used later to power the car’s electronics, which takes some load off the engine. Ingenious!

All new models of the Mazda6 will come with a 184-horsepower, 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine to begin. That’s an increase of 14 hp over the 2013 model. Additionally, a turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder is due later in the model year, which will make Mazda the first of the Japanese automakers to offer a diesel in our market.

Prices for the 2014 model will begin in the low-$20,000 range and top out at just over $30,000. If you’ve been considering a used midsize sedan, especially a used Mazda6, you owe it to yourself to check out the new one first.

Do you like the looks of the new Mazda6, or do you prefer an older model?